Ever since I could remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. From the time I was a little kid, I wanted to stand in front of a classroom and teach. While it was stuffed animals back then, my passion to pursue education as a career never failed.
Growing up, I was the kid that actually looked forward to the first day of school. Not only did it mean I was headed for a new, fresh start, but aisles in Walmart would soon fill up with the smell of freshly sharpened pencils. I loved school, and learning, from a very young age. I knew that teachers were special people from a young age, which fostered my love of learning that is still present today.
The impact that teachers had on my future career was solidified in high school. I had teachers that inspired me and watched me grow into the productive member of society that I am today. A lot of people like to say how much their teachers impacted them, but for me, it was more than that. I saw myself seeking advice from people who taught me about life, one of the less teachable things in that I was about to be thrown into.
High school came and went, and before I knew it, I was walking onto my college campus for the first time. My new friends had super cool sounding majors, like Biochemistry. But here I was, as an education major. I would get the stereotypical "I'm sorry" look.The funny thing is, I'm not sorry. It is a known fact that teachers are highly undervalued and underpaid members of society. However, before the next generation's greatest doctors and lawyers come about, they have to be taught by their teachers.
The reason why I am so passionate about this love of my major is because I have had the best people rooting for me, even though they are 90 miles away. With the new era of social media, I know that they are still cheering me on, just in a different way. It excites me to know that I will be their colleague in just a few short years.
I am tired of the stigma that surrounds Education Majors. Look, we know we aren't going to make a lot of money. For me, though, the value rests in the fact that every day, I will impact a future generation.One of the most exciting things about being an educator for me is that I will get to enhance intellectual growth, both in and out of the classroom. I understand that there will be a certain amount of risk going into the Education field, but it is a risk that I am more than willing to take. It's also something I cannot wait for.
To be honest, I can't wait for the summer workshops that teachers often dread. I can't wait for the early mornings and late nights. I can't wait to support my kids in whatever extracurriculars that they pursue. Being a teacher is much more than standing in front of a classroom and reiterating material. Being a teacher means that you get to make a direct, tangible impact on the future. Not only is that extremely satisfying, but it's something that propels my drive to be an educator.